Le Mas Lavande

A traditional farmhouse full of old-world charm which has been immaculately restored, Le Mas Lavande is a beautiful home just a stroll away from true Provencal life in an idyllic village in Maussane-les-Alpilles.

Inside you'll be welcomed into the warm ambience of this delightful home with its four pretty bedrooms and wonderful living space. The owners have retained so much character through the timeless Provencal decor yet there are plenty of modern amenities from Wi-Fi to air-conditioning. The impressive chef's kitchen is a dream for keen cooks with hand-crafted Provencal buffets and cookware brands such as Le Creuset, Lagostina and Staub. Prepare a feast to be served in the open-plan dining room before retiring to the sofas by the open-fire or head through the French doors to dine al-fresco under the starry skies by the sound of the trickling fountain.

Whether staying with a family or group of friends there's always a quiet spot to find such as the intimate reading room with fireplace, originally the main salon but now a quiet place for reflection as you look out to the lavender filled gardens. As well as three en-suite bedrooms, including a particularly spacious master bedroom overlooking the gardens, the house also features its own first floor apartment with it's own wrought iron staircase from the garden. Adjoined to one of the main bedrooms if you wish, the apartment has a lovely kitchen-diner and living room leading through to an en-suite bedroom, a perfect option for guests looking for a little independence.

The scent of summer lavender is stunning as you step into your courtyard garden with its magnificent private pool and charming terrace. In the mornings you only have to wander five minutes to a choice of boulangeries for your morning croissants to take back to accompany a coffee in the sun.

Just on the edge of the local village, it's a few minutes stroll to the wonderful deli, green-grocers, butchers and fishmongers (also an oyster wine bar!) to pick up some amazing local produce. For those days you wish to eat out you can walk to a number of excellent restaurants from charming bistros and pizzerias to Michelin starred establishments. Furthermore, in the heart of one of France's finest olive oil producing regions, there will be plenty of opportunity to sample olive oil at a local press.

You are of course in the heart of the formidable ALpilles National Park with idyllic villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence, St-Remy and Van Gogh's precious Arles so near. Spend the day visiting Avignon, the stunning Luberon region or mesmerising Camargue.

At Le Mas Lavande you'll be able to discover the true Provence whether exploring afar or staying closer to home in this enchanting and archetypal family home.

Features

Farmhouse Interior

Ground Floor

• Spacious entrance hall
• Open-plan living-dining room with fire-place and doors leading straight to garden
• Chef's Kitchen (open plan to living-dining room), well equipped including double-oven industrial stove, dishwasher, coffee maker and toaster
• Reading room with fire-place
• Shower room
• Laundry room with washer and dryer and double-door fridge-freezer

First Floor

• Master bedroom with desk and living area. Small sofa-bed suitable for a small child. En-suite bathroom with large bath, double shower and WC
• Twin bedroom with en-suite shower room with WC and own staircase leading to the main entrance
• Twin/double bedroom with en-suite shower room and WC. Has interconnecting door with Guest Apartment if required. Has own staircase leading to the reading room
• Guest Apartment with open-plan kitchen-diner and living area with sofa-bed (suitable for two small children) leading to twin/double bedroom (partitioned by a curtain). En-suite shower room and WC. Has interconnecting door with the above twin bedroom if required or can be accessed via its own wrought iron staircase from the garden

Outside Grounds

• Private heated swimming pool (10.5mx5m) open May to October. Electric safety cover
• Weber charcoal BBQ
• Al-fresco dining area
• Fountain
• Courtyard parking for up to 3 cars
• Remote controlled gate

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Reversible air-conditioning /heating
• TV with French channels
• DVD
• Games console
• Landline telephone
• Books
• Sound system connection
• Hairdryer
• Washing machine and dryer
• Kid's bikes
• Board games
• Toys
• Pool table
• Swings
• Trampoline
• Slide

Location

Le Mas Lavande sits on the edge of a charming village right in the heart of the stunning Les Alpilles, in the Vallee des Baux and surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. The house is less than a five-minute stroll to the heart of the village where you'll find some brilliant restaurants, from amazing pizzerias and charming bistros to Michelin starred establishments.

In the morning you can choose between three bakeries for your morning croissants and bread, head to the deli for an exceptional choice of local products such as cheese and olives and pick up your meat and fish from the butchers and fish mongers (which is also a wine and oyster bar!). There are also two small grocery stores as well as a bank, pharmacy and some lovely gift shops.

The village is well known for its amazing olive oil produced in the two remaining windmills. There will be plenty of opportunity to sample olive oil at a local press, some of the best in the country, as well as some of the other wonderful gourmet produce from this region.

Just a short drive north is Les Baux de Provence (4km), a unique and incredible place classified as one of France's Plus Beaux Villages. Explore the pretty squares, narrow streets and little shops, then wander around the fortified-chateau. Those who are more adventurous can find some beautiful walking trails around the village and beyond or simply head to the surrounding vineyards and olive groves to sample yet more of the region's fine foods.

You are of course in the heart of this formidable area of vineyards, idyllic villages, world-renowned towns, and summer landscapes of sunflowers both in Les Alpilles National Park and beyond. Nearby St-Remy (10km) is well known for being popular with artists who display their works in the village's art galleries and food lovers shouldn't miss the market on a Wednesday morning!

Eygalieres (20km), one of the prettiest hilltop villages in Provence loved by a handful of A-list celebrities, and Van Gogh's precious Arles (22km) are also both within easy reach. Gordes (53km) is yet another one of the beautiful villages worth visiting with stunning architecture, set in the outstanding Luberon region, surrounded by lavender fields in the summer months.

Those looking for activity have so much on their doorstep. There is both horse-riding and golf within a short drive and both the immediate and wider area are a walkers and cyclists paradise with stunning countryside and landscapes. Older children will love kayaking in the Sorgue and there are plenty of other family friendly activities throughout the region from model railways to the north, open castles to trekking across the tree tops and visiting a zoo.
Not forgetting the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of the Camargue, which is just a short drive away. A beautiful melange of land, lagoon and sea with pink flamingos, wild white horses, rice fields and endless wild countryside and beaches, this natural park covers 900 square kilometres of land. Endless activities can be offered from horse-riding, trekking, quad biking and jeep tours across this diverse and unique area.